LITTLE ROCK - The Russellville Cyclones competed last weekend at the Fifth Annual Arkansas State High School Wrestling championships. The Cyclones competed against 19 other Division 6A and 7A schools for the chance to bring home the coveted title of state champion. Teams competed as a whole and each wrestler also competed individually in their respective weight classes for their chance at the title.

First-year head wrestling coach Kevin "Ty" Roberts eagerly awaited his first championship as the head coach and said before the competition he believed he had many wrestlers who could compete for medals.

He was right.

Returning senior state champion Henry Reyes (140 pounds) defeated Conway's No. 2 seed Jackson Myers to retain his title. Reyes is the first Russellville wrestler to repeat as a state champion since the program started five years ago. Reyes defeated Myers by decision with a final score of 7-2. Reyes also medaled his freshman and sophomore season with third-place finishes. Reyes hopes to continue wrestling in college.

Junior Cyclone Bryant Cuevas (152 pounds) made his way into the championship round against Bentonville's Austin Gonzalez. Cuevas apparently tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) while defending a takedown 30 seconds into the first period. He had to concede the match due to injury default, but medaled as the state runner-up and was recognized as an all-stater.

Sophomore Jesse Johnson (103 pounds) competed strong and impressed the crowds with his attitude and perseverance throughout the competition. Johnson lost in the semifinal round by decision to Springdale Har-Ber's Benny Schaeffer 7-3. Johnson competed in the consolation rounds and went undefeated for the remainder of the tournament. Johnson defeated Little Rock Centrals' Ryan Daniel by a major decision of 11-1 to earn third place and recognition as an all-state wrestler.

Sophomore Douglas Pehrson (119 pounds) also competed with an injury to his ear that will require surgery. Pehrson lost in the quarterfinal round by decision to Rogers Heritage wrestler James Willett 4-2. Pehrson competed in the consolation rounds and once again faced Willett, who lost in the semifinals. Pehrson defeated Willett by a major decision 9-0 in their final match, finished fifth and was recognized as an all-state wrestler.

Russellville finished in 11th place with 103. Conway took top billing with 255.5 points.

The Cyclone wrestling team will be assisting and wrestling in the River Valley Wrestling Tournament hosted at the Boys and Girls Club on Saturday.

The tournament will not only showcase the wrestling talents of youth in the area, but will also allow High School wrestlers to compete one last time before the season ends.